Two Gloucestershire newspapers have become the voice of the people and told readers how their local council overturned an education committee decision – and voted to close a special needs school.

The Gloucester Citizen condemned the move, attacking councillors for their view that “The policy is the policy is the policy.”

The Gloucestershire Echo story explained how some politicians now fear the vote signals the beginning of the end for the three remaining special schools in the area.

Both papers covered the debate and result with picture-led spreads and detailed editorial on what the decision meant for other schools whose futures will come under debate.

And both carried a record of how the councillors voted – naming names in the special school debate.

The education committee at Gloucestershire County Council had only the previous week granted a reprieve for Bownham Park special school in Stroud, despite an “inclusion” policy for children with special needs, which means they learn in mainstream schools alongside more able children.

But the full council meeting, after a passionate two-hour debate, overturned the decision as members divided up along party lines.

The Citizen told its readers: “Hopes that [the education committee] decision may have prompted them to look again at a policy that will inevitably lead to the closure of other schools, and the loss of expert support for children with learning difficulties, were dashed.

“The policy is the policy is the policy. The policy will result in schools closing; therefore, we must support the policy and vote to shut schools.”

It said the alternative, to reconsider the policy, was rejected by the meeting.

The Echo described how the public gallery applauded when one councillor suggested: “Give parents the choice”.

It also interviewed the parents – who promised to keep up their fight to win special needs schools for their special children.

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